What are some ideas to help make my gameplay better?

As the above said it really depends on what it is that you want out of the Sims 4, and that's super different between players.
That said, I may as well go on a usual Snowbnuuy ramble, and give you a general bit of advice from me on what helped me improve my own experience:

If you are possibly finding the game too easy, or you are looking for more 'direction' in your gameplay, then have a look at doing one of these challenges. They can make the game more challenging or give you more of a goal for you to work towards; when I got bored with freeplay, challenges got me back into TS4. If not challenges, give yourself 'house rules' for specific saves or households. Lot Traits also help with adding another layer of relative difficulty to the game. Maybe you could have an off-the-grid house or a haunted house if you have Paranormal Stuff. There's a lot of little mix-and-match ways you can make the game a bit more of a challenge.

I understand your own gameplay experience you're looking for may be different than mine, in which case ignore me, but I just wanted to share anyway. Unfortunately as someone who doesn't use mods, I can't suggest any that might streamline the game or add stuff to the game that might suit you. Either way I hope you find some ways to make things more fun for you ~